KUCHING: More than 120 PVRTM members including from the state RTM gathered to for the RTM Veteran Association (PVRTM) ‘Memori Indah’ dinner ceremony held at the premises of Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) Kuching, here yesterday.
Speaking to officiate at the event, Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that RTM as the government’s official media channel should always adhere to their roles and responsibilities.
Tengah said that RTM should enhance its image and skills as competent national broadcaster because the image of RTM will directly reflect the government’s image.
“RTM should evolve and change according to the current needs of the methods without compromising the country’s real vision and mission as this is in line with the government’s hope to uphold the country’s creative industries.
“Thus RTM should play the driving role and display itself as the role model, and in addition to entertainment, RTM should also stimulate the people’s intellect in the process of building a more democratic, just and developed society which is in line with the 1 Malaysia concept,” said Tengah whose text of speech was read by Assistant Minister of Resource Planning Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais who represented him at the event..
He added that RTM should upgrade and equip itself with the latest technology to enhance digital radio and digital television throughout the country.
Tengah noted particularly in addressing the areas in the interior of Sarawak and building of transmitters for radio and television should be carried out in accordance with the current technological development.
What is important is to ensure that RTM remains as the national source of information broadcaster with accurate, authentic, sophisticated and quality information.
“In Sarawak, especially radio, as it can penetrate deep into the rural areas and reach into those farmers, fishermen and breeders can benefit from the it (radio) as their source of information that would benefit their productivity.
“We must always remember to get them to be involved in the development in order to not be affected by the economic uncertainty, through programmes such as talk show discussing a productive method in improving their produce,” said Tengah.
He also pointed that those in the rural areas should not be marginalised when the important information is not contained in the broadcast, or the broadcast was filled with lectures, entertainment or commercial product promotions that is not relevant to their efforts or their life.
“There should be more interesting programmes for them, to attract them to come closer to RTM. That is what the State government hopes for, so that the people in the rural areas will become a well-informed community.
“As a conclusion, I want RTM to continue becoming relevant in playing its role in disseminating the right and accurate sensational latest news, and at the same time providing a good entertainment in radio and television to the people,” said Tengah.
Also present were RTM broadcasting director for Sarawak, Salmah Ibrahim Melina, PVRTM Kuala Lumpur chairwoman Latifah Ahmad Sidek and other distinguished guests.
